Traditional, symmetrical oar grips require a large enough surface area to generate a semi-comfortable push stroke, yet need to be small enough for the fingers to grasp on a pull stroke. This meet-in-the-middle compromise makes symmetrical oar grips much less efficient on both push and pull strokes. Grip-Right Technology allowed us to create the first ever asymmetrical Grip using:

The Palm Drive is a large, contoured surface that prevents the Grip from slipping or rotating in your hand, like an oar right would. The Palm Drive also allows for intuitive feathering, eliminating the need for oar rights. Furthermore, by increasing the grip’s surface area, The Palm Drive allows oarsmen to transfer power more efficiently to their oars on both push and pull strokes. 

The Offset allows oarsmen to row in a more neutral and comfortable position. Whereas traditional oar handles are designed to fit in line with their shaft, Gilman Grips’ angular Offset provides oarsmen with a more natural rowing position, which helps reduce hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder fatigue. 

The G-Lock is on the end of the Grip and prevents your hand from slipping on or off the Grip while providing full oar control using just your thumb and index finger. This relaxed grip allows you to comfortably row more miles with less hand and wrist fatigue.

Our patented Non-Slip Grip has 3 unique safety and performance features, together with our Grip-Right Technology these 3 features keep you safe and in control. Gilman Grip’s are ergonomically engineered for safety, comfort and performance. Combined these 3 features help to prevent the oarsman's hand from slipping in any direction on or off of the Grip in big water. By locking the oarsman's hand into an ergonomic and comfortable hand hold you are much less likely to lose your grip or have the oar slip out of your hand. This relaxed grip minimizes fatigue and allows for a safer more secure connection to the oar. You are much more likely to stay in control and stay in the boat in big water if you have a better connection to the oar.

Grip-Right Technology allowed us to create the No-Slip Grip giving you unprecedented power and oar control through 3 proprietary features: The G-Lock, The Palm Drive and The Offset.

The G-Lock is on the end of the grip and prevents your hand from slipping on or off the Grip while providing full oar control using just your thumb and index finger. This relaxed grip allows you to comfortably row more miles with less hand and wrist fatigue.

The Palm Drive is a large, contoured surface that prevents the Grip from slipping or rotating in your hand, like an oar right would. The Palm Drive also allows for intuitive feathering, eliminating the need for oar rights. Furthermore, by increasing the grip’s surface area, The Palm Drive allows you to transfer power more efficiently and evenly to their oars.

The Offset allows oarsmen to row in a more neutral and comfortable position. Whereas traditional oar handles are designed to fit in line with their shaft, Gilman Grips’ angular offset provides you with a more natural rowing position, which helps reduce hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder fatigue.

Counterbalance is added weight in the oar grip. Counterbalance helps to minimize the downward strength required to get the oar out of the water on every stroke. This results in less fatigue at the end of the day. 

Sell them on Ebay or hang them on the wall with your vintage skis.

We recommend using a traditional symmetrical grip as a spare so it can be used on either side. On the Grand Canyon where 4 oars are required we bring Gilman Grips on all 4 oars.

If you still have the Gilman Grips oar handle you can remove it and install it in your replacement oar. If you lose the handle just give us a call and we will sell you a single grip, at a discounted price.

Our No-Slip Grip  is contoured to fit your hand in an ergonomic way. Please read about our unique safety and performance features to see all the difference for yourself.

We have 3 unique safety and performance features that are not available on any other oar handles. Grip-Right Technology allowed us to create the No-Slip Grip.

Please read about our unique safety and performance features to see the difference for yourself.

Most orders are shipped out the next business day by USPS 2-3 day delivery. Next day delivery can be selected at checkout.

We have an easy 15/3 installation process. Once you are set up and have everything required it should take approximately 15 minutes per step to complete each of the 3 easy steps. 1) remove (Sawyer oars) or saw off (Cataract oars) factory handles, 2) index/clock your Grips 3) install your Gilman Grips.

 See the How-To videos in the Help Center section for specific instructions

We have oar brand specific installation instructions in the Help Center. You can watch the how-to videos and download PDF files that will walk you through the instalation process.

Please see the how-to videos and installation instructions in the help center.

Please see the how-to videos and installation instructions in the help center.

Please see the how-to videos and installation instructions in the help center.

2lbs 10oz / 1,190 grams each.

13.7oz / 388 grams each.

Yes. Gilman Grips were designed to provide intuitive feathering and will eliminate the need for oar rights for most people.

Yes. You will get more comfort, power and performance and GG’s may give you the confidence to row without oar rights after a couple of days.

Yes. Gilman Grips were designed to provide intuitive feathering and will connect you to the water in a whole new way.

No. Gilman Grips are designed to be left and right handed like a glove and only work on the correct side.

If you are handy and can follow the directions you should be able to. We have an easy 15/3 installation process. Once you are set up and have everything required it should take approximately 15 minutes in 3 easy steps to remove (Sawyer oars) or saw off (Cataract oars) factory handles, index and install your Gilman Grips. Actual time may vary depending on your tools and experience. See the How-To videos in the help section for specific instructions.

Yes. Gilman Grips are available on any new Sawyer composite oar including the Smoker Bandit. You can order them directly from Sawyer or place an order with your local gear shop. Cataract oars will ship you oars without the factory handle so you can install your Gilman Grips yourself. Edge oars will install Gilman Grips on new orders.

Some shops have demo oars to try, but most do not. If you live near or are visiting Whitefish, Montana or Glacier National Park, contact us and we might be able to set you up with a demo set to try. Gilman Grips Guarantee: If you're not completely satisfied with the quality or performance of your Gilman Grips Oar Handles send them back to us for a Grip refund, please refer to our policy for specific details.

No. Your counterbalance can not be reused. Counterbalance is an integral part of the factory handle and is not compatible with your Gilman Grips.

Yes. Just let them know when you place your order that you would like the Gilman Grips option.

No. However you can easily add Gilman Grips at home after sawing off the factory grips, this will not change or shorten the length of your Pro-Lok oars. See our how-to videos in the help center for details.

Yes. Gilman Grips are available from any Sawyer oar dealers on all composite oars including the Smoker Bandit. If they don’t have what you're looking for in the shop ask them to place an order for you directly with Sawyer.

No not at this time. However you can order Cataract oar shafts without the factory handle so you can install your Gilman Grips at home. Call Cataract to let them know you would like them to make this a factory upgrade option.  +1 (801) 467-1204

No. However you can easily add Gilman Grips at home after knocking out the factory grips, this will not change or shorten the length of your oars. You will need to sand the Gilman Grips where they go into the oar shaft to get a proper fit. See the how-to videos and the installation instructions.

No. However we are working with Sawyer to bring you this option.

Gilman Grips make it easier to keep your clients’ flies moving naturally on or in the water, thanks in large part to the contour of the Power Drive. When you are guiding full days, seven days a week, Gilman Grips minimize fatigue to make every row a comfortable one. When crawling, guides simply manipulate the oar they’re crawling with for a still-comfortable hold. Ferrying is a breeze with the enhanced pull-stroke efficiency of Gilman Grips.

Yes. Gilman Grips outperform symmetrical grips in every way, delivering superior safety, performance, comfort and control. Their enhanced capabilities and efficiency make it easier to put your clients’ flies where the fish are as you make constant adjustments, whether  crawling, feathering, sweeping, back rowing, or forward rowing.

Yes. Gilman Grips make it easy to keep your clients’ flies moving naturally on or in the water. Our fishing guides who use the crawl stroke simply manipulate the oar they are crawling with for a still-comfortable hold. This stroke offers a delicate finesse, which guides report deliver a comfortable, secure hold.

Yes. They work great for many varieties of boats. The Gilman Grips power advantages will help you carry a heavier boat, like a dory downriver with ease. Gilman Grips Allow you to feather your oars in big water with precise control and less fatigue.

Yes. Ask your outfitter for their Gilman Grips option when you make your reservation. Be sure to reserve them well ahead of time. Our Non-Slip Grips will give all your oarsmen the power and confidence for those must make moves and help keep them on line. Your body will feel better at the end of every day and have less fatigue using our No-Slip Grips. See the testimonial section on the bottom of the buy now product page.

Yes if you don't use epoxy they can easily be removed to put into another oar shaft. See the How-To videos in the help center.

The available colors are Purple/Green and Black/Gray

Gilman Grips are one size fits most. They are designed to fit a wide range of hand sizes from extra small to 2XL

Yes. Gilman Grips provide comfort, power and performance and work with oar rights. However, Gilman Grips may give you the confidence to row without oar rights after a couple of days. 

Gilman Grips will work with any standard size 1.625” ID composite oar shaft once the factory handle is removed.

Yes. This option is only available when ordered with the “LD” option directly from www.gilmangrips.com.

Yes. Gilman Grips are compatible with all 1.625” I.D. diameter composite oars.

That's up to each individual shop. If you purchase your GG directly from the shop they may install the Grips for you, but you should check with them before your purchase.

No. At this time we do not support using GG on wood oars. However we are working with Sawyer to bring this option to you. If you would like our Grips on your wood oars let Sawyer oars know!

It depends on your specific boat geometry. Most oarsmen will benefit from counterbalance. Balance is important everywhere in life, and rowing is no different.

With balance, every stroke will be stronger and faster. Proper balance equals finesse and accuracy. With your oars properly balanced, you can row more river miles every day. You'll feel better, row stronger and have less fatigue at the end of the day.

Balance can be achieved through your boat’s geometry or through adding counterbalance weight to the grip of the oar. In a perfect world, we would all achieve balance through geometry.

However, if you're like me and cannot achieve the proper balance through geometry alone, then our counterbalanced option is definitely for you.

Our counterbalance and grips weigh in at 2 pounds 10 ounces each side, making Gilman Grips the perfect weight for most boats. (Cataract oars uses 4lbs) So if you’ve tried Cataract counterbalanced oars and did not like them that is most likely why.

If you find you need a different weight to find your own balance on the river, we're here to help. Just drop us a line and we can assist you in achieving the perfect balance for your Gilman Grip oar handles. 

Yes. Once the factory handles are removed our Grips will work on Cataract oars. We recommend sawing off the factory handle. This process will shorten the overall length of your oar between 2 to 3.625”  New oars can be ordered directly from Cataract  without the factory handles for an easy at home installation. More information is available in our how-to videos located in the help section. Please read our installation instructions before cutting into your oar shafts. Do not use heat to remove your factoury handles.

Yes but you will need to sand the GG where it goes into the oar shaft. See the how-to videos and the installation instructions on our help page.

Yes but you will need to sand the GG where it goes into the oar shaft. See the how-to videos and the installation instructions on our help page

Yes. The factory handle needs to be sawn off as it is part of the oar shaft. This process will not shorten the overall length of your oar and they work great. See the how-to videos and the installation instructions on our help page before cutting into your oars. 

GG are one size fits most and are designed to fit a wide range of hand sizes from extra small to 2XL.

Yes. However we recommend you do directly slide the ring over your Gilman Grips handle. In some cases the ring that slips over the oar handle will force the TPE to fold over and separate. If you choose to use Gilman Grips with your wing you should use a strap over the Grip and attach that strap to the ring so it will not slip up and down on the Grip.

They should however we have not developed a process or a how-to video for small diameter aluminum oars. Give us a call and we can help you work through the process.

They should however we have not developed a process or a how-to video for small diameter Cataract  oars. Give us a call and we can help you work through the process.

Yes. We have a process to install GG on Sawyer Small Stealth SST oars. Give us a call and we can walk you through the process.

Gilman Grips are left and right handed because they are designed to fit your hands. Traditional oar handles weren’t designed with performance in mind and lead to inefficient body mechanics, wasted energy, and  unnecessary fatigue. Our Non-Slip Grips are contoured to the shape of your palm and natural curvature of your fingers to deliver ideal push- and pull-stroke power transfer.

Because our grips provide intuitive feathering and instant rower feedback on your blade angle in a whole new way. Gilman Grips make rowing class 4 and 5 safer in the same way that the cataraft and the self bailing floor revolutionized boating in big white water.

Yes. Our fishing guides who use the crawl stroke simply manipulate the oar they are crawling with for a still-comfortable hold.

We may, at our discretion, offer pro-form to full time active licenced fly-fishing guides. Please reach out to us for details.

Gilman Grips Guarantee: If you're not completely satisfied with the quality or performance of your Gilman Grips Oar Handles send them back to us for a Grip refund. 

The Gilman Grips guarantee is good for 1 year from the date of purchase. Proof of purchase required. A copy of the original sales receipt showing the place of purchase, the price paid for the Gilman Grips and the date of the purchase. The return must be pre authorised by Gilman Grips and include a return authorization form. Your Gilman Grips must be removed from the oars by you or at your expense and mailed back to Gilman Grips in good usable condition. Normal wear and tear expected. Upon inspection Gilman Grips will refund the original Grip price paid less any shipping charges. 

Gilman Grips that were purchased directly from Gilmangrips.com are valid for an exchange or refund within 30 days from the date of the original order. All return or exchange items must be returned to “Gilman Grips 245 Twin Bridges Rd. Whitefish MT. 59937” unused, with all tags attached and a copy of the original order enclosed. Once we receive your new/unused/undamaged Gilman Grips we will process your refund or exchange request. Be sure to package you return so the Grips are not damaged in shipping. If you are returning your counterbalance with your Gilman Grips handles be sure to fully wrap the counterbalance to prevent any damage to the Grips. Please note we will not refund shipping charges on your order. If you purchased your Gilman Grips from one of our dealers please contact them directly as their return policy will apply to that purchase.